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Rapper Shyne has denied rumours he converted to Judaism behind bars, insisting his 2006 name change only symbolised a desire to turn his life around.
The hip-hop star returned to his native Belize, Central America last month (Oct09) after spending more than eight years in a New York jail for his part in a 1999 club shooting.
During that time, he legally changed his name from Jamal Barrow to Moses Michael Leviy, sparking reports he had adopted the Jewish faith.
But Shyne is adamant he hasn't changed his religious beliefs - he picked the alias to mark a new phase in his life.
He says, "There was no conversion to Judaism. This is a hereditary thing in my ancestry. As you know, many Africans throughout Central Africa, East Africa come to Belize. So, this is not a conversion, but nonetheless in life you are what you are and that is who I am.
"I don't want to be like Michael Jordan. I want to be like Moses or King David or King Solomon. Those are the guys I aspire to be like. I didn't want to be like the kingpin on my block; I wanted to be like the guy who parted the sea, that's why I chose that name."
